The winter event season at Key West Studios kicks off on a high note with a fantastically reimagined version of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

The play comes to life at dusk atop Hugh’s View, the Studios’ rooftop terrace, for a limited time of eight nights, January 19-29. Tickets can now be purchased at tskw.org or by calling 305-296-0458.

Redesigned and directed by Richard Ericson, the 75-minute production is set in the sky, with a panoramic view over the rooftops of the Old Town. It features a quick cast of five local and imported actors, along with the bold and original life-size creations of master puppet maker Jeff Goltz.

“Our goal with this production of ‘Midsummer’ is to introduce audiences to something they’ve probably never seen before,” said Ericson, who has directed and produced plays and musicals on and off. of Broadway, nationally and internationally for over 40 years. “Jeff Goltz is a gifted artist, and the puppets he created for this show perfectly embody the magic, passion and comedy needed to do justice to the bard’s poetry.”

No less important than the puppets, a talented cast of actors play the explosive conflict of Fairy Queen Titania (Vanessa McCaffrey) and her bad-boy king Oberon (New York actor L. Hardwicke), while the human lovers High-borns from the play scramble for more earthly sex and romance.

Hovering over the comedic mayhem are Cupid (an oversized flying puppet from Goltz that requires five puppeteers) and the play’s master of merriment, Puck, a sweet and sexy thug (Iain Wilcox) who lives to provoke. Local comedian Gil Parker Jr. stars as hilarious amateur comedian Nick Bottom, while Ray West is assailant Peter Quince.

“I have enjoyed the Key West theatrical scene so much over the past few years, and I am delighted to take a more active role in this production,” continued Ericson. “It is an absolute joy to work with the talent of the island and to push the limits in new and unexpected ways.

Ericson now lives in Key West with her husband and partner, Louis Raymond, who sets the environment for this production. Goltz, based in Indianapolis, has been designing and performing with puppets since the age of 9. Goltz is also a professional ventriloquist who performs in comedy clubs, festivals and theaters.

Performances are at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday night, Jan. 19-29 at Hugh’s View, 533 Eaton St. Tickets are $ 80 front row, $ 60, $ 50 for members and are extremely limited. Visit tskw.org or call 305-296-0458 for more information.